By Madison Menneer

Reflections on my two exchange trimesters are in full swing, with the bittersweet memories of saying goodbye still fresh in my mind. Thinking back on the incredible experience I have just had makes me tear up a little, and I find it difficult to fully describe the impact it has had on me. 

For me, going on exchange was the natural climax of my university degree, but the application was one of my ‘decide now, worry later’ kind-of decisions, because in the week leading up to my flight to Canada, where I didn’t know a single person, I was feeling scared and nervous. 

Despite my pre-exchange emotions, the feeling of homesickness didn’t last beyond my first night, and I’ve had the experience of a lifetime for which I will be forever grateful. I leave Canada with countless lifelong friends, a number of lasting memories, and a skill set I’m eager to take into the future. 

Challenges

Coursework and stress

Fortunately, my challenges were very few, and my two trimesters passed quite smoothly. Where I did struggle, however, was with the increased course load expected at the University of Ottawa: five courses per semester instead of Waikato’s four, and the associated assignments and weekly readings. Finding balance between coursework, hanging out with friends, and exploring the country was difficult, and I definitely experienced a feeling of constant stress throughout the second trimester. 

While this time has tested my academic abilities, I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to study at a highly regarded university, under knowledgeable professors, and surrounded by motivated, hard-working students. I’m returning to New Zealand with a renewed confidence in my abilities and a clearer sense of where I would like to steer my career – the unique advantage provided to me by studying abroad. 

Highlights

Friends

When I think back on the past nine months I have spent in Canada, my fondest memories are those shared with the friends I made along the way. I arrived without knowing even one person in this big country, but I am leaving with a network of friends, both in Canada and all over the world, who feel like family to me. 

It may surprise you how fast like-minded people can become your closest friends when you are united by the same experiences. Whether it was visiting the mall, meeting up for a pastry, or studying long hours in the library, even the most mundane or spontaneous hangouts have become some of my most treasured memories. 

The simultaneous joy and heartbreak of finishing the exchange is having this newfound family scatter themselves all over the world. While I shed many tears saying goodbye, it’s so exciting to know that I have people to visit in lots of wonderful locations across the globe. 

Travel

As most exchange students will say, the not-so-secret ulterior motive (and highlight) of a trimester exchange is the travel you get to do on the side – and Canada has so much to offer. 

Among my top travel highlights are seeing a moose in Gaspésie, sipping hot apple cider at a Christmas market in Québec City, wandering the Historic Distillery District in Toronto, and going behind the waterfall in Niagara. 

I was also lucky enough to have hired a campervan with my family at the end of classes in order to better experience Canada’s outdoors. Travelling from Toronto back to Ottawa was yet another travel highlight, getting to see the many small towns and green fields dotted along the way.

Concluding thoughts

This exchange has provided me the opportunity to overcome challenges by myself and build an independence I have never had before. I’ve similarly learnt to enjoy my own company, and become more comfortable doing things alone – an invaluable skill I will carry forward with me. 

It has shown me that I value the experiences I have in life, and the people I meet along the way. For me, there is no greater pleasure and sense of accomplishment than to have made a network of close friendships, and I will always be thankful for all the incredible people I’ve met in Canada.

This entire experience has undoubtedly been the scariest but most rewarding thing I have ever done, and I don’t think I will truly understand and appreciate its impact on me. Both the good and the bad moments have taught me more about myself, what I’m capable of achieving, and what I want most out of life – and so I would recommend this experience to anyone in a heartbeat.